You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor

Posted on Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 9:09 a.m.

Spring preview: Michigan secondary searching for return to early season form

By Kyle Meinke

A former walk-on, Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs is entering his fourth year as a starter.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

The Michigan football team returns all four starters to its defensive secondary. It's all good, right?

Not quite.

Safety Jordan Kovacs was as steady as ever last year, and corners J.T. Floyd and Blake Countess blossomed after Troy Woolfolk was moved from the position. Collectively, with free safety Thomas Gordon, the Wolverines improved their pass defense from 111th nationally (260.2 yards per game) in 2010 to 16th (190.5) in 2011.

Yet, the secondary had two of its worst performances in its final two games. Particularly disappointing was its play against Ohio State, which featured a freshman quarterback (Braxton Miller) and ranked 118th in passing. Only Army and Navy were worse.

Against Michigan, Miller went 14-of-25 passing for 235 yards and two touchdowns. For perspective: His previous highs for completions was eight, attempts was 18 and yards was 130.

Michigan wasn't much better in the Sugar Bowl. So, although the Wolverines are loaded in experience and talent in the defensive backfield -- when was the last time that could be said? -- there are issues that need to be resolved.

SPRING PREVIEW

This is the fourth of an eight-part series previewing each of the Michigan football team's position groups heading into the opening of spring camp on Saturday.

Woolfolk began the season as a starting cornerback, but kept losing snaps to Countess before finally ceding the position entirely against Purdue. He was moved to safety, where he continued to struggle. With Gordon back at free safety, the biggest impact Woolfolk's departure has is on the Wolverines' depth.

What they have back

Countess, Floyd, Kovacs and Gordon -- really, the four starters, aside from a brief fling with Woolfolk at free safety. And Gordon was better there, anyway.

Kovacs was tremendous last season, both with his consistent tackling and savvy blitzing. He is a virtual lock to be named a captain, now that the former walk-on is entering his fourth year as a starter.

Each of the other guys, though, are a little more uneven.

Floyd looked like an NFL draft pick through much of the season, but was more inconsistent in the final two games. Ditto for Countess, who was nothing short of spectacular throughout his ascent into the lineup. But he was exposed against Ohio State -- often bailed out by Miller's erratic passing -- and flat awful against Virginia Tech.

This pair has potential to be one of the Big Ten's best one-two punches, but will have to pull out of its tailspin.

As for Gordon, he was one of the league's best playmakers last year (he led the Big Ten with four fumble recoveries, forced two others and had one interception). But in briefly losing his spot to Woolfolk -- including not playing at all against Iowa -- coaches noted he didn't always bring it in practice.

Spring mission

Rediscover their swagger. The defensive backs consistently prevented big plays and forced turnovers throughout the season -- coordinator Greg Mattison's two biggest benchmarks for the secondary -- but their play tapered toward season's end.

Much of Michigan's defensive success will pivot on the secondary next year, as well. Three-fourths of its defensive line has graduated, so the Wolverines likely won't be able to apply the kind of quarterback pressure that helped them last year.

Also, don't be surprised if more blitz packages are implemented. When the defensive line struggled early last year, Mattison showed he was unwilling to simply drop back into coverage. Rather, he sent an array of blitzes to mix things up, then faded them out as the line became more disruptive.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.

Comments

Matt Patercsak

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.

I think we'll be able to apply more pressure than last season.
-Will Campbell
-Jibreel Black
-Ondre Pipkins
-Quinton Washington
-Richard Ash
-Willie Henry
not only are they bigger than Martin, Van Bergen and Heininger, but more athletic as well (save mike Martin). If they fix problems of consistency, this D-line will be better than last year. Often it is the biggest question mark of the team heading into a season that becomes the strength. (like our entire defense in 2011)

RWBill

Fri, Mar 16, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.

Will Campbell is your number one go to guy for a better defensive line? We are in trouble plenty.

Scott

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.

I've yet to see Campbell once in the back field. He reminds me of Sean Rogers or Albert Haynsworth after they sign a big contract. Come on big Will. One &quot;mean&quot; season and you get a multi million dollar NFL contract. Trust me- there are much harder ways to make a living, and they don't pay well.

BornInA2

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 3:57 p.m.

&quot;Ditto for Countess, who was nothing short of spectacular throughout his ascent into the lineup. But he was exposed against Ohio State -- often bailed out by Miller's erratic passing -- and flat awful against Virginia Tech.&quot;
I re-watched the OSU game last weekend and yes, Countess got schooled. It was frighteningly reminiscent of the previous few years.
And I have faith in Hoke and company: They will get the best out of the kids this season, and I think we'll be seeing bigger, faster athletes on both sides of the ball in the future.
Go Blue!

Scott

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:35 p.m.

It's interesting that of the 2012 incoming recruits only one is a corner back (Tony Richardson). Apart from Floyd and Countess there are only a couple of other scholarship guys on the roster who are CB's (Hollowell, Taylor). I hope they can play and Floyd and Countess stay healthy. Maybe it's time to offer Demar Dorsey a scholarship. He's been at GRCC for a couple years and staying out of trouble. That was pretty lame the way he was offered a scholarship and then told- never mind. Embarrassing for the university. Besides he's Denard's cousin.

Shlobodon Dobodon

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.

Yall gonna get pooed on this year. It's no secret that last year was a fluke. 8 wins, if you're lucky.

Terry Star21

Thu, Mar 15, 2012 : 1:09 a.m.

Right Ted I remember...first it was 'lucky to win 5', then six, then seven, then 8 - then they all disappeared.....they never learn, 895 wins is not luck !

Ted Bundy

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.

You haters said that last year...

Boo

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.

Not to sure Floyd is going anywhere in the draft. Always seems about 5 yards behind. On the other side I have high hopes for Countess!